Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-11-05

own support, 1853 for mission pur
poses. So. 463. The schools are gene
rally under care of the sessions. Pastors
generally preach to the children and
take on interest in the Sabbath.school
work. The children do not attend
prerching as fully as desired, and the
report recommends persistent efforts TO
cure the evil. II is recommended
that presbyteries see that the Sabbath
schools use the helps published
bv our own Committee of Publication.
The churches are urged to do more in
keeping up Sabbath schools for colored
people. There is but little Of the sensa-
iional in our schools, but solid doctrinal
instruction is given, the shorter cate
chism being made prominent along with
the Bible. Some sessions offer diplo-
mas for graduation in the catechism.
The synod enjoins that large portions of
Scripture and standard church hymns be
memorized. 1t is recommended for the
development of the grace of giving that
collections he taken for the seven objects
of benefcence OF the General Assembly.
The Rev. James p. Smith commended
the report and emphasized some points.
In the Fredericksburg church all the
contributions of the Sabbath-school
went to the support OF the several
causes under charge OF our assembly,
the church supporting the school. He
had been long in the habit Of giving
certificates for reciting the shorter
catechism, which were priced by the
children. Some commit in full the
Scripture proofs. One had .recited the
larger catechism in full.
The Rev. DIR. Il. c. Gordon spoke of
the Sabbath school as help TO family
instruction and not an agency supplant-
ing it. In his school certificates are
given for proficiency in Bible study,
and a gold medal is now offered to any
who will complete the seven years
course OF the International Lessons.
Several other members made remarks
in commentator of features of the ex-
cellent report, after which it was adopt
ed.
In the absence of the Rev DR.. Hazen,
secretary of publication, the cause was
presented in brief remarks by Rev. W.
A. Campbell and Rev. DR.. NJ. ID. Hoge,
and the following resolution was
adopted
Rcsoircd, That a committee be APP
pointed, consisting of the chairman OF
publication OF the several presbyteries,
with another member appointed as chair
man, whose duty it shall be to CO.
operate with the Executive Committee
and have oversight of the work within
the bounds of the synod.
At II NJ. the order of the day was
postponed for fifteen minutes, to hear
colored licentiate, Rev. W. l.. Smith, of
Ashland. After few general remarks
about the work in behalf of his race, he
spoke in the strongest terms of interest
and sympathy and Christian affection
manifested towards him by the white
Prcshytorians since he had been labor
ing in Virginia. The elevation of his
race, which, indeed, is slow, is altogether
due 10 the influence of the Christian re-
ligion. They are poor and need material
help, as well as instruction aud spiritual
supervision. He and his church were in
hearty accord with the policy of our
church, and desired separate church
for his race. He said facetiously " |
wish this were a black synod" He
wanted to raise. 800 to complete a
church at Ashland.
On motion of Rev. John q. Anderson
the synod expressed its pleasure in hav-
ing heard the address of Mr.. Smith, and
commended his church at Ashland to the
hberality Of the congregations of the
synod,
A collection was then taken in the
synod amounting to $l03.91.'